Admissions

Orange Lutheran is pleased to offer comprehensive academic, athletic, arts and character-building programs, in which all students have the opportunity to be challenged and supported according to their abilities, skills and needs. Compliant with UC standards and not bound by the Common Core, our curriculum is designed by Christian educational experts so that faith and learning are meaningfully integrated. Orange Lutheran looks for students dedicated to pursuing spiritual growth, put an onus on academic success, and who see the value in participating in extracurricular activities.

Academics

As a high school committed to helping students prepare for college and beyond, excellent academics is a priority. Quality course design, combined with passionate teaching, is paramount, as is teaching young adults the importance of performing to the best of their abilities in the classroom while balancing their workload when it comes to their schedules. Orange Lutheran seeks to provide many different avenues in which to excel academically, including Orange Lutheran Online, Academies, and much more.

Athletics

Orange Lutheran is committed to being successful in athletic competition, through high-level coaching, facilities and training equipment. OLu competes in the nationally-recognized Trinity League and boasts 21 varsity sports programs, from football, basketball and baseball to hockey and surfing.

Arts

Orange Lutheran's diverse artistic culture has something to offer everyone interested in the arts. Whether it is elegant dancers performing majestic leaps or the graceful brushstroked of a young painter, OLu continues to build on its reputation as an outstanding training ground for musicians, stage performers and visual artists.

Missions

The goal of the OLu Missions Program is to provide a hands-on way of accomplishing the school's mission. It desires to help students deepen their relationship with Jesus Christ by doing His work. The Missions Program affords students the opportunity to minister on a national and international scale, in hopes of doing "as Christ would do."

About Us

Orange Lutheran aims to be more than just a high school...we aim to be a Lancer Family. The OLu Experience is a personalized, balanced, approach to education designed to engage students through a process of inquiry, exploration, and discovery through varied and diverse opportunities in a caring environment. The goal is to help students prepare to live a strengthened, Christian life of purpose, service and leadership in a global society.

Orange Lutheran is unlike any other high school because of extraordinary people just like you! God uniquely assembles us together to proclaim His Truth and share His love as our students grow through the challenges of being a teenager in an often confusing world filled with many conflicting messages. When we proudly chant, “We Are OLu,” we’re really exclaiming our strength and unity in Christ as a Lancer Family! We are committed to providing the best educational experience possible, and we prioritize the development of well-balanced, healthy, strong, caring students who are inspired, challenged, strengthened, and prepared not only for college but for a Christian life of purpose, service through vocation, and leadership in a global society.

We truly believe our students are poised to make significant contributions to the world, and it is with gratitude, respect, and great conviction that we seek to foster a strong partnership with Lancer parents for the development and growth of our students as they are strengthened by faith and prepared for life.

Our Mission

To help students internalize the gospel message of salvation in Christ Jesus.

Our Core Values

Biblical Truth

Integrity

Innovation

Excellence

Relationships

List of 3 items.

The Bible is the true Word of God, without error or contradiction and, therefore, is the final authority in all matters of faith and life (2 Timothy 3:15-17).

There is only one true God, who has revealed Himself in three persons (Triune), Father (Creator), Son (Redeemer), and Holy Spirit (Sanctifier) (Matthew 28:19).

Since Adam’s Fall, all people are conceived and born sinful and are completely incapable of saving themselves by good living. (Psalm 51:5; Romans 3:10-12, 23).

God, motivated by His unconditional love for us, provided for our salvation through His Son, Jesus Christ (John 3:16).

Jesus Christ is true God, eternally begotten of the Father, and at the same time true man, born of the Virgin Mary, who lived a perfect life for us, died on the cross for us, rose from the dead for us, now reigns at the right hand of God for us, and will one day come again for us. (John 1:1-3, 14; 1 Timothy 2:5-6; Luke 1:26-38; Hebrews 4:15; Romans 5:6-8; 1 Corinthians 15:12-24; Ephesians 1:20-23; 1 Thessalonians 4:14, 17).

We are saved by grace through faith in Jesus Christ alone (Ephesians 2:10).

Faith in Jesus Christ comes by the power of the Holy Spirit as He works through the means of grace – His Word and the Sacraments of Baptism and the Lord’s Supper -- through which the blessings and benefits of Jesus’ saving death and resurrection, namely the forgiveness of sins, eternal life, and salvation are offered, delivered, and applied to us (John 6:63; Romans 10:17; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26; Matthew 28:19-20).

Baptism, which is water applied in the Name of the Triune God according to Jesus’ mandate and promise, works rebirth and renewal, delivers and applies the forgiveness of sins, joins the baptized to Jesus’ death and resurrection, and grants salvation to all who believe the promise of salvation attached to Baptism (Matthew 28:19-20; John 3:5; Titus 3:5; Ephesians 5:25-26; Romans 6:4; Colossians 2:11-12; 1 Peter 3:21).

Lord’s Supper is the true body and blood of our Lord Jesus Christ given in, with, and under the bread and the wine, for Christians to eat and drink, instituted by Jesus Christ Himself, for the forgiveness of their sins (Matthew 26:26-29; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).

Good works, prayer, and holiness of life are the fruit of faith in Christ, not the cause of faith or salvation (John 15:5; Hebrews 11:16).

Christians are called to live for Jesus, seeking to serve and honor Him in all facets of life. Life cannot be divided into compartments where Jesus is not present, for He is the author and Lord of all of my life. To know Him is the only way to know what true life is all about, and serving Him is life’s greatest privilege (Colossians 2:6-7; Ephesians 5:1-8; Galatians 5:16-25).

Orange Lutheran High School offers a diverse educational experience and welcomes students from a variety of religious backgrounds. As a Recognized Service Organization with the Lutheran Church – Missouri Synod (LC-MS), Orange Lutheran High School believes, teaches, and confesses the unchanging truth of Holy Scripture as described in the Lutheran Confessions and the belief and practice of the LC-MS.

Please click on the following link “Belief and Practice” from the LC-MS website for a comprehensive statement of beliefs.

Students, parents, family members, or other school participants who do not share these beliefs and practices agree to communicate their concerns in a manner that does not lead to division or disruption to the school day, the classroom setting, the normal operation of the school, or the school community.

Students, parents, family members, or other school participants who disagree, in whole or in part, with the fundamental beliefs of Orange Lutheran High School and the teachings of LC-MS also agree not to behave and/or promote behavior or doctrinal positions contrary to these beliefs and practices on campus, at school-sponsored events, or in any media form identified with Orange Lutheran High School. (Link can be accessed at www.lcms.org, “About Us” tab - “Belief and Practice” tab).

A. Profess through word and action the Biblical truth of salvation by grace alone, through faith alone, in Christ Jesus alone according to Scripture alone.

B. Live out their Christian faith by responding to and reflecting God’s love according to scripture.

“L” = LIFE-LONG LEARNERS

A. Be prepared to continue education beyond high school.

B. Be creative and innovative.

C. Be critical thinkers and problem solvers.

D. Be effective communicators and collaborators.

E. Be effective citizens of the 21st century

“u” = UTILIZING OUR GOD-GIVEN GIFTS & TALENTS

A. Explore interests and pursue and cultivate passions.

B. Live as responsible global citizens who serve those in need and act as good stewards of God’s creation.

C. Pursue physical and emotional health.

History

In 1959, a group of Christian men and women began meeting regularly with the establishment of a Lutheran high school in Orange County as their purpose. With no campus, no buildings, and no staff, the school was only a vision of its founders. But at the end of each meeting, one of those founders would pass around his hat, and all would offer whatever change was in their pockets.

Finally, in 1973, Lutheran High School of Orange County opened its doors to students. Under founding principal Herbert Stuenkel, the campus was modest: just nine academic classrooms, a library, a couple laboratories, and a few ancillary facilities. But the founders and families were energized by the prospect of this new school. Lutheran High School graduated its first class, numbering fifteen, in June of 1976.

Throughout the past thirty years, our family has certainly grown. Enrollment that first year was just shy of 100 students; today we welcome over 1,100 young men and women every day.

Facilities have indeed grown as well. In 1973 the building consisted of two hallways and a small front entrance. Later years saw the addition of two more hallways; creating a perfect square embracing first a patio, then a gymnasium.

In 2000, the God’s Plan … Our Future construction campaign increased the size and scope once again. Thanks to the generous support of donors, parents & alumni, the campus once again grew in size with the addition of new faculty offices, an expanded parking lot, landscaping, and five new classrooms. The next year added more enhancements: a second story addition, ten new classrooms, including biology labs and a greenhouse, a multi-media resource center & an entirely football/soccer field with state-of the-art artificial turf and an all-weather track.

In 2002, the gym that had previously been in the center of the school was moved to a freestanding "field house." The 1,800 seat gym rests at the top of the building, while the lower level is home to a 3,400 square foot weight room, a wrestling room, a state-of-the-art team room, offices, and a training room.

In the Fall of 2003, the Alexandra Nechita Center for the Arts opened in the space once occupied by the old gym – the heart of the school. The 740-seat performance hall is home to drama, dance, instrumental and vocal music productions, guest speakers and special chapel services.

And in 2014, Orange Lutheran embarked on its biggest expansion yet with the Beyond Expectations project. Completed in just over a year, the project added 40,000 sq. ft. to the school's footprint. Included in the upgrades were a 12,000 sq. ft. student union and cafe, a lower gym, a weight room, study pods for group learning, and a new training room and locker rooms.

Orange Lutheran has been blessed with the love and support of our friends and families making these incredible improvements possible. We look forward to what the Lord has in store for us as we remain a high quality academic institution that disciples young people for Jesus Christ.

As a Lancer... Seize Every Moment.

Administration

Orange Lutheran is led by Executive Director Todd Moritz, Head of School Dr. Leslie Smith, Principal Todd Eklund, and is governed by a Board of Directors.

Find Us

Who We Are

Founded in 1973, Orange Lutheran High School, is a comprehensive private Christian co-educational college preparatory high school, grades 9-12, that exists to help students internalize the gospel message of salvation in Christ Jesus. The culture and climate of Orange Lutheran is based on caring relationships that strengthen our community as a Lancer Family. High standards of excellence coupled with a warm, energetic atmosphere create a safe, nurturing environment where students can thrive, as they discover and develop their unique gifts, talents, and passions.